Wind River

“With its isolation and rugged beauty the Peel River watershed is one of those special places that can influence how we view the world, and our own place in it” – Sarah Locke – Wild Rivers of the Yukon’s Peel Watershed

Enough cannot be said about the Wind River. This reflection may say it best: ” I’ve learned not to underestimate the Wind River-constant current, many hazards, converging currents demand that you pay attention to it at all times. Being my first northern river trip, I am grateful to have had new experiences, new friends, and new adventures. The beauty of this place is absolutely stunning. I hope to return to this region again in the future and do more northern Canadian rivers.”

The Yukon Territory in Canada has a well deserved international reputation for having several outstanding rivers for canoeing. Our Wind River guided canoeing adventure is such a river. The Wind River in Yukon’s Peel River watershed is the essence of a wilderness river, offering incredible vistas and opportunities for hiking along the way. Accessible only by air charter, it parallels the border of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, against the backdrop of the Wernecke Mountains. It flows through a broad sweeping valley which makes for easy travel for humans and wildlife alike.

best suited to paddlers who have had river experience and are comfortable with river paddling strokes.
The Northwest Mounted Police, later to become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, used to make patrols between Fort McPherson and Dawson City by dog team. The last one, in the early 1900s, resulted in the tragic death of all its members. Their story came to be known as the “Lost Patrol”.
Begins at McClusky Lake and ends where the Wind River meets the Peel River. Paddle distance is approx. 280 kilometres (165 miles) with an elevation drop of 800 meters (2400 feet).
surrounding mountain ridges are ideal for hiking. Layover days have been scheduled to take advantage of the scenic vistas from these lookouts.
Wind River is home to Dall sheep, goats, caribou, elk, beaver, wolf, black/grizzly bears, eagles, falcons and more. It would be surprising if a number of these were not encountered during the paddle.
charter flights in and out of the Wind River present spectacular views of the river and mountains of the Peel Watershed.

OTHER CANOEING ADVENTURE LINKS
Yukon River – Principal Route to the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush.
Teslin River – Historic Alternate Route to 1896 Klondike Gold.
Bowron Lakes – Quintessential Lake Canoeing Experience in Canada.

USEFUL LINKS

GUEST REVIEW
“Our Yukon River paddle introduced us to the history of the Yukon and helped us to hone our canoeing skills. The Wind River built on those skills and introduced us to a spectacular wilderness area of the Yukon. The superlatives of the Wind River just go on and on. Thanks to our guides, Lauren and Mike, for their leadership, enthusiasm, and patience. Your food menu never fails us.” ~Joan and Philip Groudy, Lake George, NY